Update (4/10 4pm): The Ashland Police Department identified the driver in last night’s fatal accident as 33-year-old Salvatore “Sal” Pippa.
Though the investigation continues today, Ashland Police Chief Terry Holderness said that Pippa was pronounced dead at the scene. They believe alcohol may have been a factor in the crash. We are told Pippa’s family has been notified.
Police say Pippa was driving a 2000 Mercedes SUV when it hit a power pole and a building while trying to make a turn onto Ashland Street. Officials said there was a female passenger in the SUV and she is in serious condition at Rogue Regional Medical Center.
Ashland, Ore. — Ashland Police and Fire responded to Ashland Street and Siskiyou Boulevard around 10:30pm Wednesday to a call of a single car into a power pole.
Ashland Division Fire Chief Chris Chambers said one person in the vehicle died on scene and another was taken to an area hospital with unknown injuries.
Chambers said it is unknown what caused the crash but he did say they have received eyewitness reports that the car was driving at a high speed before the crash.
The area surrounding Ashland Street and Siskiyou Boulevard was still closed as of 2am Thursday and it is unknown when the area will reopen to traffic.
Power in the area has been out since the crash. Crews arrived on scene around 1:30am Thursday. It is unknwon how soon the power will be restored.
Stay with NBC5 News on-air and online for the latest details on this developing story.
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